Dear members,

We are living in unprecedented times.  The spread of COVID-19 has disrupted every aspects of our lives, including the one area we all hold near and dear to our hearts - the ability to play music together.  Although the rehearsal halls are empty, and the stages are bare from cancelled performances, it is important to remember that we must all do our part towards reducing  the risk of contracting the virus by following the best practices as recommended buy our public health professionals, and government agencies.  

As musicians, we understand the impact this pandemic will have in our own music communities, especially for those who earn a living teaching and performing.  However, I am continually astonished by our resilience and creativity in finding new ways to share our music and make these times a little more bearable!  A quick search on social media will populate copious amounts of new recordings, free concerts, virtual ensemble opportunities by amateur and professional ensembles alike. This is, after all, what we do as musicians.  We listen, we collaborate, we create, and bring joy through our music.

When exactly rehearsals will be considered safe to resume, and under what conditions are still very much unknown.   For musicians, adhering to the provincial 10 person gathering limit is not enough assurance  to provide your players with a safe environment, nor is the implementation of PPE possible for every instrument.   What do can we do then?

GET INFORMED!

We at CBA-Ontario encourage all of our members to become properly informed by closely following legitimate resources pertaining to medical and scientific research studies.   To assist you, we have compiled a list of resources that will help you in your decisions.

RERSOURCES:

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT: 

• Reopening Ontario after COVID-19 
  Ontario has entered phase 2 in most regions, but “large public gatherings” will continue to be restricted into phase 3.
• Live Arts Guidelines are listed under film and television (not detailed)
  :https://www.ontario.ca/page/resources-prevent-covid-19-workplace#section-3

• Public Health Agency of Canada (egularly-updated)
  Most relevant source
  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
• Risk mitigation tool for gatherings and events operating during the COVID-19 pandemic
  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/mass-gatherings-risk-assesment.html

• Public Health Agency of Canada (egularly-updated)
  Most relevant source
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/considerations-for-events-gatherings.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Flarge-events%2Fmass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html

ONTARIO MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION:

Guidance for music classes (includes details for teachers/administrators): COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RESOURCES

ONTARIO BAND ASSOCIATION:

"In It Together" Sessions - https://www.onband.ca/inittogether

RESEARCH & SAFTEY

• University of Colorado Boulder & Maryland   *** PRELIMINARY STUDY ***
  "Distribution of Respiratory Aerosols released while playing/singing"
  Performing Arts Aerosol Study - Full - EN.pdf

• National Federation of State High School Associations:
  Research on wind playing and singing, aerosol droplets and COVID-19 transmission.
  https://www.nfhs.org/articles/unprecedented-international-coalition-led-by-performing-arts-organizations-to-commission-covid-19-study

• Blog Post: Immunologist Dr. Erin Bromage
  "exposure to virus-laden droplets"
  https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

• WEST POINT MUSIC RESEARCH CENTER
  "Army Band COVID-19 Large Group Risk/Mitigation"
  https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

INSTRUMENT CLEANING

National Federation of State High School Associations:
covid-19-instrument-cleaning-guidelines.pdf

FAQs for Canadian Registered Charities and Non-Profit Organizations (COVID-19)

https://www.canadiancharitylaw.ca/covid-19/